TENNESSEE
The Leaf Chronicle
By THOMYA HOGAN
The Leaf-Chronicle
A support group for people abused by Catholic priests wants the state's statute of limitations for reporting sexual abuse changed to give victims more time to confront their alleged offenders in court.
Under Tennessee law, prosecuting sex crimes against minors can mean navigating a confusing maze of rules and time periods. For instance, if a 12-year-old is sexually assaulted, then there is no statute of limitations.
But if the victim is 14 years old, then the law becomes dependent on dates and details. If he was 14 and sexually assaulted after July 1, 1997, he had until he was 21 years old to come forward; therefore, the opportunity for criminal charges expired last year.
If that same victim was assaulted between Nov. 1, 1989, and July 1, 1997, he only had until he was 18 years old or up to four years after the offense to come forward — which means that the opportunity for criminal charges may have run out as early as 2001.
The problem, say victims advocates, is that those who are abused might not be ready to come forward until they are much older and have had counseling.